Meal Plans
All first-year students and those living in residence halls without kitchens are required to enroll in the Mandatory Residential Meal Plan. Students can choose from three different spending levels based on their dining habits. All students will automatically be enrolled in the Base Plan and will have the option to opt up to the Premium Plan or opt down to the Light Plan via the Agora portal under Meal Plan Selection. The meal plan selection deadline for the fall semester is August 30, 2025. Changes to the meal plan for the spring semester must be made by January 17, 2026.
Flex Dining Plans
Designed for students living in apartment-style residences, faculty, and staff
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Three Plan Levels: Light, Base, and Premium
Designed for different dining habits, students can select from three plan levels–Light, Base, and Premium. Depending on the plan level, each plan includes Mandatory Residential Meal Plan money to be used at qualifying on-campus dining locations. Each plan level also includes Residential Dining Bucks, which can be used at specialty dining locations, mobile ordering, concessions, and vending machines.
All first-year students and those who live in residence halls without kitchens are automatically enrolled in the Base Mandatory Residential Meal Plan. This plan meets most students’ dining needs. At $3,372 per semester (approximately $33 per day, seven days a week), its funds can be spent at any of the nine qualifying on-campus dining locations. Meal plan funds can be spent any time during the same academic year they are purchased.
The Base Mandatory Residential Meal Plan also includes $300 per semester in Residential Dining Bucks, which provides added flexibility and variety. These funds can be used at specialty dining locations, through Grubhub mobile ordering, and vending machines around campus. Mandatory Meal plan funds roll over from first to second semester. Residential Dining Bucks rollover until graduation.
Students can opt up to the Premium Plan or opt down to the Light Plan starting in mid-June. The meal plan selection deadline for the fall semester is August 30, 2025. Changes to the meal plan for the spring semester must be made by January 17, 2026.
| Base Mandatory Residential Meal Plan | $3,372 |
|---|---|
| Residential Dining Bucks | $300 |
| Total Semester Value | $3,672 |
2025-2026 Academic Year
Mandatory Residential Meal Plan funds are accepted at the following locations:
Lower Live at Corcoran Commons
The Loft at Addie's at Corcoran Commons
Welch Dining Hall at Lyons
Stuart Hall on Newton Campus
Cafe 129 on Brighton Campus
Carney's at McElroy Commons
Eagle's Nest at McElroy Commons
Brookline Campus Dining Hall
Farmers Market
Pop-up Culinary Events
The Premium Mandatory Residential Meal Plan is designed for active students who dine on campus most of the time, including on weekends. The Premium Mandatory Residential Meal Plan includes $3,825 in meal plan funds per semester plus $350 in Residential Dining Bucks (approximately $37 per day, seven days a week).
Meal plan funds can be spent at any of the nine qualifying on-campus dining locations during the same academic year they are purchased. Residential Dining Bucks can be used at all dining halls, specialty locations, vending machines, and Grubhub mobile ordering. Residential Dining Bucks roll over until graduation.
Students can opt up to the Premium Plan or opt down to the Light Plan starting in mid-June. The meal plan selection deadline for the fall semester is August 30, 2025. Changes to the meal plan for the spring semester must be made by January 17, 2026.
| Premium Mandatory Residential Meal Plan | $3,825 |
|---|---|
| Residential Dining Bucks | $350 |
| Total Semester Value | $4,175 |
2025-2026 Academic Year
The Light Mandatory Residential Meal Plan is designed for students who tend to eat some meals off-campus or in their residence hall. The Light Mandatory Residential Meal Plan includes $3,116 plus $250 in Residential Dining Bucks (approximately $30 per day).
Meal plan funds can be spent at any of the nine qualifying on-campus dining locations during the same academic year they are purchased. Residential Dining Bucks can be used at all dining halls, specialty locations, vending machines, and Grubhub mobile ordering. Residential Dining Bucks roll over until graduation.
Students can opt up to the Premium Plan or opt down to the Light Plan starting in mid-June. The meal plan selection deadline for the fall semester is August 30, 2025. Changes to the meal plan for the spring semester must be made by January 17, 2026.
| Light Mandatory Residential Meal Plan | $3,116 |
|---|---|
| Residential Dining Bucks | $250 |
| Total Semester Value | $3,366 |
2025-2026 Academic Year
The following provides a sample to help you choose and budget your meal plan. This chart provides an estimated cost for students' meals. Nutrient needs and amount of food differ for each person.
Light
$3116 + $250 Dining Bucks (~$30/day)
- Two meals/day on campus
- Off campus some weekends and breaks
- Designed for students who tend to eat off campus or in their residence halls
Base
$3372 + $300 Dining Bucks (~$33/day)
- Two meals/day, plus occasional snacks
- Off campus most weekends
- Meets most students' needs
Premium
$3825 + $350 Dining Bucks (~$37/day)
- Two–three meals per day, 7-days/week
- On campus most weekends
- Designed for active students/hearty eaters
Using Your Meal Plan
Unlike other universities with a fixed number of meals per week, Boston College’s dining program is based on a declining balance system. This means you start the academic year with a starting balance on your BC ID, much like a debit card. You will only get charged for what you purchase. With a Declining Balance Meal Plan, you have the flexibility of eating what you want and when, with the option of taking food to go when needed. You can check your balance online on the Agora Portal or at the register.
Eat what, where, how, and when you want, choosing from an expansive menu selection.
Mandatory Residential Meal Plan funds roll over from first to second semester. Flex Bucks roll over to the next academic year.
Enjoy extended weekends and hours of operation. Plus, all meals are available for take out.
Treat your friends and family to an award-winning meal at one of our dining halls.
Our meal plans help you learn how to budget your time and money.
Check out these additional resources to learn more about your options.
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